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stock of what we have learned throughout the pandemic: the power of personal relationships, personal connections, and personal ministry. Don't jump back into programs; embrace the lessons of community. Mistake 6: Don't mistake what the Church uniquely offers. This may be a long haul, a long obedience in the same direction. Stay resolute. It's a great time to be the Church! Highlight, over and over, what Christ uniquely of- fers through His Church: a place of identity, belonging, and community for a people who are longing for it. Opportunity 1: Reset without the culture shift. The whole world has had an insane year and a half. Change has been forced on so many different aspects of life. Often, a congregation's culture is one of the hardest things to change, since it gets locked in over generations. But the pandemic has given us an opportunity to examine our con- gregation's culture and see what needs to change and what should remain. As we enter a new season of ministry, what needs to be revamped, rejuvenated, or set to the side? Opportunity 2: A new view of ministry. The pandemic accelerated trends that were already happening around us. In the church world, some of these ideas that were starting to build momentum before COVID-19 are now staples of everyday life—livestreaming is a good example of this. This acceleration also revealed idols we had built into ministry, showing ways we have set them up as cornerstones of what we do. We have an opportunity now to repent of these things and reorient back to where God is leading us. Opportunity 3: Community. People were without one another for over a year. As things get back to normal, look for some incredible opportunities to build back community in simple ways! "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (Hebrews 10:23–25). Hear more from Pastors Davies and Doering on this topic at fb.watch/4nJKeO5z_1/. For more on walking together in community, check out Walking Together: Simple Steps for Discipleship by Rev. Ted Doering. w Contributing authors: Pastors Brian Davies and Ted Doering Christ's Church was never meant to be isolated. Rather, you were meant to live in community together. Come out of your individual bubble and back to the beautiful Church that Christ has created for you. Find this title and others listed in this magazine at cph.org/llresources. CONNECTED TO CHRIST: OVERCOMING ISOLATION THROUGH COMMUNITY Lutheran Life 5

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